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Veterans Temporary Assistance Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Veterans Affairs (DMVA) administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program which provides temporary financial assistance up to $1,600 for necessities including food, shelter, fuel and clothing within a 12-month period to eligible veterans and their beneficiaries who reside in Pennsylvania. To be eligible, veterans must have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, been honorably discharged after a period of active duty other than active duty for training, died in service or suffered a service-connected disability as certified by the U.S. Veterans’ Administration. The DMVA website lists the financial circumstances that qualify veterans for help via the VTA program. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact the County Director of Veterans Affairs within the county they reside. Brown Announces Next Telephone Town Hall
During my last tele-townhall, it was a pleasure to speak directly with so many of you. We covered a lot of important issues – from school property taxes, to energy, to local government, and data centers – these conversations are valuable in my work for you. I am hosting my next Telephone Town Hall on May 20th at 11AM. You will have the opportunity to listen from the comfort of your own home, or wherever else you may be, and ask questions or share your concerns with me. Free and Reduced Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
In June, a bill I strongly supported to remove the requirement that a disability be the result of a war or armed conflict for a disabled veteran to obtain a free or reduced cost fishing license was signed into law as Act 21 of 2025. Under the new law, veterans with a 100% service-connected disability can obtain a free lifetime fishing license and those with a service-connected disability rating between 60% and 99% can obtain a resident fishing license for $1. For more information on free and reduced cost disabled veteran fishing licenses, check out the Fish and Boat Commission’s website. VA Increases In-Home and Community-Based Services Expenditure Cap
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced an increase in the expenditure cap for in-home and community-based services for veterans with certain complex medical conditions, including spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and other complex medical conditions at 100% of the cost of similar care in a VA Community Living Center. The previous rate of coverage was 65%. These changes come from the federal Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act. This will significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible veterans for in-home and community-based services including home health aides, home respite, community adult day health care, Veteran Directed Care and skilled home health. The increased cap will allow eligible veterans to continue to reside in their home and receive care at a lower out-of-pocket cost. Veteran Directed Care gives veterans access to personal care services and help with daily living activities. For more information and to see if you’re eligible for Veteran Directed Care, check here on the VA’s website. National Vietnam War Veterans Day
National Vietnam War Veterans Day will be observed on March 29th to honor the millions of Americans who served and the thousands who did not return home. This day marks when the last U.S. combat troops withdrew from South Vietnam in 1973. March 29 was officially established annually as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania through Act 124 of 2024. There will be events across Pennsylvania to remember and honor Vietnam veterans, including:
Spring Refresh Discounts for Veterans
Veterans can take advantage of discounts to help refresh your home for spring. Whether it’s new patio furniture, a paint update or cleaning supplies, there are discounts for all your spring refresh and cleaning needs!
Veterans Fitness & Wellness Programs
Veterans with spinal cord injuries, Multiple Sclerosis, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their caregivers can sign up for free, virtual classes through Paralyzed Veterans of America designed to improve strength, endurance and hand-eye coordination for veterans with mobility issues. The classes are available to veterans of all levels and abilities and are intended to improve stress management, cardiovascular health, mental health and more. Information about the program and how to register is available here. Honoring 2nd Lieutenant Carol Ann Drazba
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity was in Scranton to honor the life and sacrifice of 2nd Lieutenant Carol Ann Drazba. U.S. Army 2nd Lieutenant Carol Ann Drazba was raised in Dunmore, PA and graduated from the Scranton State General Hospital School of Nursing in 1964. She joined the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and was later deployed to Vietnam, where she cared for wounded soldiers at the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon. In February of 1966, Drazba was tragically killed in a helicopter crash at the age of 22 while en route to a rest and recuperation period. Drazba was laid to rest in Scranton, PA and has been honored with a statue outside the Gino Merli Veterans’ Center in Scranton, as well as at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Brooks from my staff joined other local leaders and officials to welcome Treasurer Garrity and remember the life of service Carol led.
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